NPTEL Course

Finite Element Analysis & Constitutive Modelling in Geomechanics

Assignment-I: Prismatic elements
January – April 2023 Total Marks: 21
(Write your answers neatly on white sheets of paper and upload scan copies on the course site
in a single file in pdf format)
Note: Marks for each question are shown in brackets

1. Write a brief note of maximum one page on the origins of the finite element analysis
and its applications. (3)

2. The following figure shows an assembly of one-dimensional springs having only one
displacement at each node. The stiffness of each spring (K=500 units) is shown in the
figure. (6)
10

K 2K K

1.5K

Perform the following tasks:

• Number the nodes, elements and degrees of freedom
• Assemble the equilibrium equations for the above system
• Apply fixed end displacement of 0.1 units at left end by exact method
• Determine the nodal displacements by Gauss elimination method.
• Determine the forces in each of the elements. Clearly mention the nature of
force (compression or tension) in each element.

3. The axial stiffness of a bar element is 5000 kN/m. The nodal displacements in
Cartesian coordinate system are shown below. Determine the force in the element
and comment if the force is compression or tension. (x1=y1=10, x2=25, y2=15) (3)

v2=0.04
v1=0.02 u2=0.03

u1=0.05

4. For the problem in Question 2, use the principle of stationary potential energy to
derive the GLOBAL equilibrium equations for the system including the fixed end
boundary condition at the left end. No need to solve the equations. (3)

5. A framed structure having two bays and 4 story’s is shown below. Assume that all
columns have cross-section of 600×600 mm and the beams have cross-section of
600×800 mm. Assume that all members are made of M40 grade of concrete. The
height of each floor is 3.5m and span lengths are 5m. Use self-weight of 24 kN/m3
and live load of 4 kPa on the slabs. Convert the live load to equivalent nodal loads
based on the surface area. Assume that the frames repeat every 3 m in the out of
plane direction. (6)

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Investigate the influence of the settlement on the forces in the beam elements. Assume
that the right side support settles by 20 mm relative to the other two supports. Use the
GEOFEM program or any other suitable program (e.g. ABAQUS-student version).

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